The UK’s latest quarterly figures on court statistics have revealed that the average wait time for defendants in the Crown Court has dropped by 5%. It also demonstrates a 10% overall fall on the previous year, however this remains above pre-COVID levels.
With the UK court system still dealing with a backlog in cases, the latest data shows an insight into the duration of individual cases between their receipt and the main hearing at the Crown Court.
We’ve compiled a guide on court hearings and the UK’s legal system below so that you can learn more about the process and stay informed on the intricacies should you ever need to defend a particular case.
Disclaimer: Britain Daily does not provide legal advice. The content in this guide has been prepared for educational purposes only. We recommend that you seek independent, professional legal advice before engaging in any activities.
Helpful Tips To Prepare You For A Court Hearing As A Defendant
There is no denying that having to go to court can be nerve-wracking, particularly when you are the defendant. Whether you are being taken to court for a traffic offence, a workplace dispute, or an alleged assault, you may fear that you will incur a hefty penalty or perhaps even a prison sentence.
While it’s natural to feel anxious preceding your court date, there are a number of things you can do to help you prepare for your hearing and give yourself a fighting chance to attain the best possible outcome. Read on to find out more.
Knowledge Is Key
To boost your chances of achieving a good result from your court hearing, it’s vital that you are prepared. Familiarise yourself with every aspect of your case, and make notes detailing every possible piece of information you can think of. This includes any conversations you had with your opponent and any other facts that could be helpful.
You should also prepare the documents you may need, including any papers you have received from the court, witness statements, applications, expert reports and any evidence you wish to file.
You should also educate yourself on the processes you will face in court, how a criminal offence is defined, and why the choice may be taken to prosecute. If you feel that the best course of action is to plead guilty, then you should research your options and the potential outcomes of such a plea, as well as information on potential sentence discounts you could receive, and how to change your plea if you decide to do so later on.
Seek Legal Assistance
If you have decided to act as your own defence, or you simply don’t have enough money to pay for a lawyer for the duration of the trial, you should still seek legal advice to help you, especially if the penalty you could receive is significant.
Making at least one appointment with a lawyer will give you the chance to obtain an expert opinion that could make all the difference between whether or not you end up winning or losing your case. They can advise you on how best to prepare for your trial, offer any advice on specific legal issues you may be encountering, and share their input on the sentencing you could face.
However, if the outcome is likely to be serious, such as a prison sentence, then it’s vital that you hire a criminal lawyer to represent you. If you still decide to represent yourself, then the risk of losing your case increases, especially if there is compelling evidence against you.
Will You Need A Court Interpreter?
If English is not your native language, and you are worried about being able to explain your side of the story effectively, then you may want to think about acquiring a court interpreter. They can speak on your behalf, providing a careful and rigorous interpreting service that will help the judge and jury to make their decision.
While you can seek the assistance of a friend or family member in some cases, it’s best to hire a professional interpreter, as they have years of experience and are well-versed in court room processes and etiquette.
If you’re looking for trusted court interpreting services in London, Rosetta Translation is on hand to help, providing accredited interpreting in either simultaneous or consecutive styles.
Understand The Ins And Outs Of Sentencing
Arguably the most anxiety-inducing aspect of a court case is thinking about the sentence you may receive. This will depend on the severity of the crime. A number of offences will result in fines or perhaps a community order, rather than imprisonment; for example, most motoring offences have a maximum penalty of points on your license and a fine, or perhaps a driving ban for a certain length of time.
Even if an offence does have a maximum penalty of imprisonment, that doesn’t automatically mean that you will be handed this sentence. It depends on the circumstances surrounding the offence, and what the court deems to be the severity of your actions.
Even if you do receive the sentence of imprisonment, it may also be that you don’t receive the maximum length of time possible for a particular crime. The court will examine the details of the offence and your own circumstances to determine what length of custodial sentence is best. There is also the possibility of receiving a suspended sentence.
Educate Yourself On How To Appeal
While it is to be hoped that your offence is minor, and that any sentence you receive will be no more than a fine or a community order, if you do receive a harsh sentence – or you are wrongly convicted – then you can appeal. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the appeals process in good time, so that you have all of the knowledge you need in advance.
Of course, this process also works the other way, so if the prosecution feels that you have been given a sentence that is ‘unduly lenient’, they also have the option of appealing.
Keep Calm And Stay Positive
Whether you are guilty of an offence or not, going to court can be a psychologically challenging experience that can cause a great deal of anxiety and stress. However, it’s important that you do your best to stay as calm as you can and maintain a positive attitude. Rather than allowing your thoughts to spiral out of control, focus on being proactive in your defence. Prepare your case carefully, and leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing evidence that you are being wrongly accused or that you do not deserve a harsh sentence.
It may also help to bear in mind the fact that anyone who is taken to court is innocent until proven guilty – and providing enough proof of guilt can be difficult. The prosecution has to prove your guilt so that the magistrates or the jury are “satisfied so that they are sure”, as it is described in court. Without incontrovertible evidence, it is likely you will receive a minor sentence, or perhaps no sentence at all.
